Feeling Thirsty in the Morning? Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Waking up with an unusually dry mouth and an overwhelming sense of thirst can be more than just a sign of dehydration. While many people dismiss morning thirst as a result of sleeping without enough water, in some cases, it can be an early indicator of underlying health problems, including high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually develops slowly and may not show obvious symptoms until it causes complications. Recognizing subtle signs such as persistent morning thirst could help you take preventive measures before it’s too late.

This article will explore the link between thirst and hypertension, why it happens, other warning signs you should not ignore, and natural ways to manage high blood pressure.

Why Do You Feel Thirsty in the Morning? 

Morning thirst can happen for several reasons, and not all of them are dangerous. Some common causes include:

• Mouth breathing at night – If you snore or breathe through your mouth, your throat may dry up.

• Low water intake during the day – Not drinking enough fluids before bedtime can leave your body dehydrated.

• Dry room environment – Sleeping with fans or air conditioners can cause dryness.

• High salt intake at night – Salty snacks before bed increase thirst.

However, persistent and excessive morning thirst can sometimes be a warning sign of hypertension or related metabolic issues.

 The Connection Between Thirst and High Blood Pressure 

High blood pressure affects how your body regulates fluids and electrolytes. When your blood pressure remains elevated:

1. Kidneys work harder – They filter blood but may lose efficiency in balancing fluids and electrolytes. This imbalance can trigger thirst.

2. Salt and water retention – Hypertension often goes hand in hand with higher sodium retention, making you feel thirsty.

3. Medication side effects – Some medicines prescribed for hypertension, such as diuretics, increase urination, which can lead to dehydration and morning thirst.

4. Hormonal imbalance – Hypertension can affect hormones like aldosterone, which regulate water balance, leading to increased thirst.

 Early Warning Signs of Hypertension 

Besides morning thirst, hypertension can show subtle signs that people often ignore:

• Frequent headaches in the morning

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue or weakness

• Shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort or palpitations

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Swelling in hands, feet, or ankles

If you experience these symptoms along with constant thirst, it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly.

 Why Hypertension Is Called the Silent Killer 

The dangerous part about hypertension is that most people don’t know they have it. It may take years before the condition shows obvious symptoms, but during that time, it silently damages blood vessels and organs. If left unmanaged, hypertension can lead to:

• Stroke

• Heart attack

• Kidney disease

• Vision problems

• Cognitive decline

Morning thirst might seem harmless, but it could be your body’s way of sending an early signal.

 Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure 

Understanding what puts you at risk can help you prevent or manage hypertension:

• Age – Risk increases after 40.

• Family history – Genetics play a big role.

• Unhealthy diet – Excess salt, fried foods, and sugary drinks.

• Sedentary lifestyle – Lack of physical activity raises blood pressure.

• Obesity – Excess weight puts stress on the heart.

• Smoking and alcohol – Both damage blood vessels.

• Stress – Chronic stress spikes blood pressure levels.

• Medical conditions – Diabetes, thyroid problems, and kidney disease.

 Morning Thirst vs. Dehydration 

While dehydration is the most common reason for thirst, here’s how to differentiate:

• Dehydration thirst – Improves after drinking water, usually linked to sweating, heat, or low intake.

• Hypertension-related thirst – May persist despite drinking water, often accompanied by other symptoms like headaches or dizziness.

If your thirst doesn’t improve or keeps coming back daily, it may be wise to get a blood pressure check.

 Natural Home Remedies to Manage High Blood Pressure 

1. Stay Hydrated Smartly

Drink water throughout the day instead of gulping it all at once. Coconut water is excellent because it is rich in potassium, which balances sodium levels.

2. Cut Down on Salt

Reduce table salt and processed foods. Instead, flavor meals with herbs and spices like garlic, basil, or turmeric.

3. Eat Potassium-Rich Foods

Bananas, oranges, spinach, and sweet potatoes help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure naturally.

4. Practice Deep Breathing

Stress is a silent trigger for hypertension. Just 10 minutes of deep breathing or meditation in the morning can lower blood pressure.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Losing even 5–10% of excess body weight can significantly reduce hypertension risks.

6. Get Sound Sleep

Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep to regulate hormones that control blood pressure.

7. Exercise Daily

A brisk walk, yoga, or cycling for 30 minutes keeps blood pressure in check.

8. Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking

These habits damage arteries and worsen hypertension.

9. Herbal Teas

Green tea, hibiscus tea, and ginger tea are known to reduce blood pressure.

 When to See a Doctor 

Morning thirst on its own may not always be serious, but if you have risk factors or symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or frequent urination, consult a doctor. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential to catch hypertension early and prevent complications.

 FAQs 

Q1. Is thirst alone a sign of high blood pressure?

Not always. Thirst can be due to dehydration, but if it’s persistent and comes with other symptoms, it could indicate hypertension.

Q2. Why does high blood pressure cause frequent urination at night?

Hypertension affects kidney function and increases urine output, especially at night.

Q3. Can lifestyle changes reverse hypertension?

Yes, in early stages, proper diet, exercise, and stress management can control and sometimes reverse mild hypertension.

Q4. Should I take medicine if I feel morning thirst and have high BP?

Always consult a doctor before starting or stopping any medication. Medicine may be necessary depending on your blood pressure levels.

Q5. How often should I check my blood pressure?

If you are at risk, check at least once a month. People with hypertension may need to monitor it weekly or as advised by a doctor.

28 Natural Home Remedies for High Cholesterol - Part 1

The usual indicators of high levels of cholesterol in blood include common fatigue, over sweating and a feel of discomfort, pain and heaviness in the chest and breathlessness. Smoking and consuming alcohol in excess, consumption of high fat foods, obesity and inheritance factors are some of the usual causes for high levels of cholesterol. Nevertheless, high cholesterol levels can be restricted using specific home remedies.

Here are few points on treating high cholesterol levels at home – naturally:

1. Coriander Seeds

Coriander has the capability to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and triglycerides. These coriander seeds even have hypoglycemic properties and can have positive impact on diabetes management.

1.      Add 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds or coriander seed powder in a glass of water.

2.      Boil this mixture, allow it to cool. Strain this water and drink it three times a day.

3.      You can also add 1 tablespoon of honey instead of sugar and half teaspoon of cardamom powder to it. 

How to prepare Homemade coriander seed powder - Take cup of dry coriander seeds and roast them on pan for 6-7 minutes on low flame. Then grind the seeds in mixer grinder to make fine powder. Store in container and keep away from direct heat.

2. Fenugreek

Eating sprouts & fenugreek seeds aids in lowering high levels of cholesterol. Consume 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seed powder or crushed seeds with half glass of warm water daily.

3. Sweet neem

When one chews sweet neem, it lowers the high cholesterol levels. You can chew 2-3 sweet neem leaves with warm water twice a day.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamons have the capability to significantly diminish the LDL & triglycerides, thereby balancing one’s total cholesterol levels. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon included in regular foods or added to water, has a great effect on one’s body. Cinnamon also reduces blood sugar levels and is good for type 2 diabetes.

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal has the ability to control blood sugar levels and slows down the assimilation of cholesterol. It also decreases the total cholesterol levels, triglycerides & total lipids. It also increases the amount of HDL (good cholesterol) levels significantly.

1.      A bowl (or approx. one and a half cups) of cooked oatmeal is said to contain six grams of fiber. If fruits are added to it, fiber content would reach 10 grams. Consuming cereals that contain oatmeal/ oat bran with fruits like strawberries, bananas and apples would also be good.

6. Fish & Fish oil

Fishes & fish oils are tremendous sources of omega 3 fatty acids – good, unsaturated fat especially found in cold water fishes such as salmons, trout & tunas. These unsaturated fats aids reduction of triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in one’s blood thereby diminishes the risk of clotting (blood). It also makes the blood thin and hence plays an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

      1.      You can consume around one - four grams of fish oil a day. In case you are a vegetarian or a vegan, the alternative would be to take flaxseeds (ground) as they are also rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

2.      Fishes that contain rich amount of omega 3 such as salmons, mackerels, tunas, albacore, rainbow trout, sardines and others must be eaten at least two times in a week.

7. Seeds Oil

Seeds & nuts such as chestnuts & walnuts contain lot of antioxidants, which are in charge of defending against aging of cells and prevention of heart diseases and even cancers. Oils of such seeds contain arginine which acts as an essential vasodilator - which aids in reducing cardiovascular risks.

8. Garlic

Garlic by nature is a great source that aids in reducing the cholesterol levels. It also has the capability to lower clotting of blood inside the body thereby being heart friendly. Garlic prevents nnanoplaque (a plaque that clogs one’s arteries) by preventing cholesterol particles getting stuck to the walls of the arteries.

1.      Take three cloves of garlic. Crush them well and boil it in a glass of milk.

2.      Allow the mixture to cool and drink this.

3.      This should be repeated once a day for some weeks in order to reduce the bad cholesterol levels to reduce cardiac pains.

12. Whole grains

Whole grains are very good for healthy hearts. Hence, it is better to choose whole-grain flours, breads, rice and pasta. Brown rice contains oil that aids in lowering cholesterol (more than its fiber content). It also is rich in magnesium and vitamins B.

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13 Things You Must Do to Reduce Cholesterol - Lifestyle & Diet Tips

Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) that liver produces. Every cell of human body contains cholesterol in their outer layer. When a person follows healthy diet and exercises, it helps them maintain correct cholesterol levels. It strikes a balance between HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) thereby protecting from the risk of infarction, stroke and several other diseases including Alzheimer's. Here are few simple steps to keep one's cholesterol levels naturally without taking drugs.

1. Lose weight

Overweight causes increase in harmful cholesterol and lesser activity decreases good cholesterol. So one should lose weight and exercise more if required. Even if one loses two - four kilograms, they will be able to lose considerable amount of cholesterol.

Shedding extra weight works well for many reasons - from improving cholesterol balance to averting epidemic diseases in mechanized societies including diabetes (type 2), blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, gouts and even cancers.

So one should control the intake of fat and even if it is the good type of fats such as olive oil as any fat is filled with calories. Over consumption of fats could lead to overweight.

2. Start your day with oatmeal

One of the best foods for defending against cholesterol is oatmeal. Apart from the insoluble fiber content, it also contains a soluble fiber namely - beta glucan, which has positive impact on one's body.  It slows down gastric emptying, promotes better satiety, improves blood circulation, controls blood sugar levels and reduces the assimilation of cholesterol in the body. It has the capability to reduce total cholesterol levels, triglycerides & total lipids and also increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL) considerably. Eat oat bran and cold oat cereals such as Cheerios.

3. Exercise

Exercising has the advantage of lowering the bad (LDL) cholesterol levels by nature and also increases HDL. One should try to fit in exercises into their routine.

4. Reduced intake of saturated fats, red meat & dairy products

Too much of saturated fat could increase one’s cholesterol levels. Same is the case with eating excess of sugars and refined carbohydrates since these will be transformed into saturated fats. One should keep away from eating saturated fats contained in red meat and several dairy products. These raise the levels of bad cholesterol. 

It is advised that one should limit consumption of saturated fats to such an extent that only maximum of 10% of every day calorie count should come from such fats. 

5. Eat fiber-rich foods

Foods that are naturally loaded with soluble fibers have been confirmed to be good at reducing cholesterol levels. Such foods include barley, oat bran, oats, peas, sweet potatoes (& other varieties of potatoes), yams, in addition to legumes or beans, for example, black beans, pinto beans and garbanzo beans. Vegetables that contain high amount of soluble fiber include carrots, okra, beets and eggplant while fruits include berries.

6. Avoid trans-fats

Trans-fats enhance levels of bad cholesterol while lowering the good cholesterol. They tend to amplify clotting factors and increases inflammation, damaging one’s cardiovascular health. Trans-fats are contained in processed food items such as greasy fast foods, margarines, processed vegetable oils and even in baked products that contain hydrogenated vegetable oils or partly hydrogenated vegetable oil or vegetable fats. Such items include cakes, pastries and biscuits.

7. Get 8-10 hours of sleep every night

Lack of sleep boosts bad (low-density LDL) cholesterol which leads to high blood pressure and overeating. If a person snores, or feels extremely sleepy during the day, they should be examined for one of the usual but dangerous sleep disorder – “sleep apnea”.

8. Eat and/or drink more color

Vegetables & fruits are good sources that aid in lowering LDLs. Specific foods that help include, onions, garlic, apples, avocados, pears, berries, cabbage & its family of foods, dark leafy greens and eggplant. Such foods are full of antioxidants which keep the circulating cholesterol from getting oxidized. Oxidized cholesterols in particular are very harmful. Vegetables & fruits also have soluble fibers and phyto-sterols.

9. Check your Vitamin D level

Deficiency of vitamin D is associated to high levels of cholesterol. As a person gets old, the ability of their body to produce vitamin D from sun weakens. So one should check their vitamin D levels via blood tests and if it is low, they should take vitamin D supplements every day.

10. Watch the Salt

Foods available these days are already overloaded with sodium but still we add salts to increase flavor. At times some don’t even taste the foods before adding salts. The issue is that regular iodized salt adds to one’s sodium levels, Imbalanced sodium level increases the levels of hypertension, which when mingled with high cholesterol levels could lead to trouble. 

If one has to add salt in their foods, they have to make sure it is the regular sea salt or Himalayan salt. They should refrain from using the refined salt

11. Include foods rich in phyto-sterol

Food that is rich in phyto-sterol attaches itself with cholesterol inside the intestines, and cuts down the absorption of LDL cholesterol. Phyto-sterols are more or less similar to cholesterol in their structure and also have a protective effect on heart. Add phyto-sterols rich foods in your regular diet such as nuts which includes almonds, walnuts pistachios & macadamias; seeds like sunflower seeds, sesame and flaxseed, avocados, pumpkin; and cold pressed natural oils such as sesame oil, flaxseed oil, pumpkin oil etc.

12. Quit Smoking

Quit smoking as soon as possible. Smoking is not only bad for our general health, but also reduces our good HDL cholesterol levels. It slows down the body’s natural ability to fight bad LDL cholesterol. 

13. Alcohol consumption

Consumption of alcoholic beverages at smaller quantities can be associated with improved levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. However, the advantages are not sufficient enough to prescribe alcohol for those who do not consume alcohol. So when one chooses to consume alcohol, they should try to limit the consumption. 

For healthy individuals, it is proposed that they consume maximum of one drink per day (includes most women and men above 65 years of age). For men lesser than 65 years, maximum of two drinks a day.

15 Natural Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure/Hypertension. Lower High Blood Pressure without Drugs

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. Pressure created by circulating blood with each & every pumping of our heart is known as blood pressure. Because of heart beats, pressure of the blood is circulated in a declining order through body’s veins, arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. 

High blood pressure/Hypertension is a medical condition in which the arterial blood pressure becomes high and because of this our heart starts to perform harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels in the body. The more blood our heart pumps, the narrower our arteries and the higher our blood pressure.

High blood pressure is particularly risky because most of the times it has no warning signs or symptoms. It is a serious & common health problem that may cause heart attacks, strokes and in some cases kidney failure.

A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered as high blood pressure.  High blood pressure is become common in over age of 60-65.  If person’s blood pressure level is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then he has ‘prehypertension’, it means that person do not have high blood pressure at present but possibly develop it in the future.

What Is "Normal" Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is usually divided into five categories. A blood pressure reading has a top number (known as systolic) and bottom number (known as diastolic). The ranges are:

1. Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Systolic mmHg 90 or less, or

Diastolic mmHg 60 or less

2. Normal

Systolic mmHg 90-119, and

Diastolic mmHg 60-79

3. Prehypertension

Systolic mmHg 120-139, and

Diastolic mmHg 80-89

4. Stage 1 Hypertension/HBP

Systolic mmHg 140-159, and

Diastolic mmHg 90-99

5.  Stage 2 Hypertension

Systolic mmHg over 160, and

Diastolic mmHg over 100

HBP/Hypertension (over age 60)

150 & above over 90 & above

Common causes of hypertension/high BP

Overweight, Obesity, Stress, Chaotic lifestyle, Birth control pills, oral contraceptives, Smoking, excessive drinking, Lack of Physical activity, High salt intake or low potassium intake in the diet, Chronic Kidney diseases, Pain relievers, Genetic factors, Family history of high blood pressure, Adrenal disease, Thyroid disorder, Older age, High fat diet, Temperature, environment, Psoriasis, Diabetes, Pregnancy, Low birth weight, Hormonal disorders

Symptoms of high blood pressure/hypertension

Generally most people suffering from high blood pressure dose not experience any signs and symptoms until blood pressure levels reach about 180/110 mmHg. When symptoms and signs appear, they usually include:

Dizziness, Vomiting, Nausea, Headache, Unsteadiness, Nosebleeds, Sever anxiety, Breathlessness, shortness of breath, Blurred or double vision, Facial flushing, Blood spots in the eyes

Best 15 home remedies for High blood pressure/Hypertension

You can take small and simple steps to prevent high blood pressure by following some home remedies and adopting healthy lifestyle.

1. Garlic

Regular consumption of garlic helps relax our blood vessels by stimulating the creations of hydrogen sulphide and nitric oxide. Garlic in any form (raw, boiled, roasted, cooked) controls high blood pressure/hypertension and also reduces cholesterol level. Garlic produces hydrogen sulfide, which promotes healthy blood circulation, removes gases and also reduces the pressure on the heart and kidney. Garlic reduces the arterial spasms and also ensures control over pulse rate and cardiac rhythm.

Add garlic in your regular diet to maintain blood pressure in proper levels. You can add garlic in your food or simply chew it or consume paste of it. Consume 4-5 garlic cloves per day. If you are taking any blood thinners medicines the avoid garlic or consult your doctor first.

1.      Roast 2 smashed garlic cloves in 2 tablespoon of clarified butter until garlic cloves turns to light brown. Consume these garlic with warm water twice a day.

2.      Prepare 1 tablespoon of fresh garlic paste and consume it with butter milk. Do this twice a day for fast relief.

3.      Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh garlic paste with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, also add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in it, mix well and consume this mixture with cup of warm water. Do this twice a day for better result.

4.      Add 1 teaspoon of garlic paste to your regular or herbal tea. Consume this tea 2-3 times a day.

2.  Fennel seeds

Mix 1 tablespoon of fennel seed powder with 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds/powder, add 1 tablespoon of honey in it, mix them well and consume 2-3 time a day to manage lower blood pressure.

3. Coconut Water

Proper hydration is very significant for the people who are suffering from high blood pressure. Coconut is rich source of Vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, these properties reduces the systolic blood pressure/high blood pressure. Add coconut and coconut oil in your regular diet.

1.      Drink 2-3 glasses of fresh coconut water every day to cure high blood pressure/hypertension.

2.      Mix 1 tablespoon of pure coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or honey, mix well and consume this mixture with warm water. Repeat this twice a day for quick result.

4. Lemons

Lemon keeps high blood pressure/hypertension under control by strengthening the blood vessel. Lemon maintains softness and flexibility of blood vessels and by reducing stiffness of the vessels, thus it reduces high blood pressure naturally. It also reduces the risk of heart failure. 

      1.      Mix 2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey with glass of warm water. Drink this mixture 2-3 times a day for fast result. Add honey instead of sugar and avoid salt.

      2.      Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with 1 tablespoon paste of fresh basil/tulsi leaves or mint leaves, also add 1 tablespoon of honey in it. Consume this mixture 2-3 times a day.

3.      Add 1-2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger juice or paste to regular or herbal tea and consume 2-3 times a day.

5. Onion

Onion contains very vital antioxidant flavonol called quercetin, which is very beneficial in reducing high blood pressure.

1.      Mix 2 tablespoon of fresh onion juice with 1 tablespoon of honey and consume this mixture 2-3 times a day.

2.      Cut medium size onion and add it to your vegetables salad. Add onion in your daily food. Try to eat raw onion, add it in chutney, sandwiches etc

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